Every week during the season, we’ll scout out the Cowboys next opponent. This week, that opponent is the Washington Redskins.
The Opponent: The Washington Redskins, aka Danny Snyder's Romper Room
Record: 3-6
The Line: Cowboys by 7.5. On the road. Not fun, even when you get to face Rex Grossman.
Last Game: A 20-9 beatdown at the hands of the now 2-7 Dolphins that essentially ended Washington's season. Rex Grossman started over John Beck and promptly threw two picks, including one red zone interception that was the Rex Grossmanest interception of all. If the Skins had any brains, they'd lose every game left and pick up a Top 3 QB in the draft.
The Coach: Mike Shanahan, who has discovered shades of red in his complexion that scientists had not previously discovered. Seriously, the man looks like a bottle of Tabasco.
The Offense: So, so, so bad. Grossman will likely start again this week, which means that the Cowboys should force AT LEAST three turnovers. To sack Rex Grossman is to force Rex Grossman to fumble. ALWAYS. Wideout Leonard Hankerson, the only bright spot for the Skins last week, got hurt and is done for the year, leaving the Skins woefully short at wideout (Santana Moss isn't expected back for at least another week). The running game is nonexistent.
The Defense: This was once a bright spot for the Skins early in the season. But the Skins' offensive problems have left this group on the field for far too long, and often in horrible field position. You can see them gradually losing their will as the season goes on. Still, there are dangers here. Rookie end Ryan Kerrigan is excellent, and with Brian Orakpo on the opposite side, the Skins can give Tony Romo plenty of pressure. London Fletcher is still the consummate leader and tackler and you never know when DeAngelo Hall will bust out a three-pick game. If the Skins are going to win the Danny Bowl, it'll be because their defense scored at least once and forced Romo into having a miserable day.
Key Matchup: Tony Romo vs. success. Romo just can't seem to handle it when everything is going the Cowboys way. This is a game that Dallas has to win if they want to keep up with the Giants. If they stumble, then all of the nagging questions about Romo and the gang return.
